Goji berries can fight aging, enhance immunity, and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Regular consumption by men can also protect the reproductive system, while women may find it beneficial for beauty. It can be used as medicine or food; when brewing tea, pay attention to the intake. Let's take a look at the efficacy and effects of goji berries, as well as their contraindications and side effects!

Efficacy and Effects of Goji Berries

Goji berries contain betaine, zeaxanthin, physalien, carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, ascorbic acid, vitamin C, and trace amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and molybdenum. Pharmacological effects include: hematopoiesis, growth stimulation, enhanced non-specific immunity, lipid-lowering, coronary dilation, anti-atherosclerosis, liver protection, uterine excitation, blood sugar reduction, and cholinergic effects. Goji berries can also restore kidney function, clear proteinuria, and have spermatogenic, antipyretic, sedative, hypnotic, and antibacterial effects. Clinically used to assist in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, premature aging, chronic hepatobiliary diseases, chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, diabetes, obesity, hypotrophy, and oligospermia, low sperm motility, and sexual dysfunction.

Because goji berries contain vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid, as well as trace elements such as zinc, copper, and iron, they are most suitable for hair care cosmetics. Adding goji berry extracts to hair care products can prevent and treat hair loss, making hair black and shiny. It is also effective for yellowing or graying hair caused by a lack of essential trace elements, promoting the production of hair melanin.

The young shoots and leaves of goji berries can be used as medicine or vegetables, commonly known as "Qi Gou Tou." Su Dongpo called it "immortal sprout" and "immortal herb." Tender stems and leaves of goji berries are often sold in vegetable markets in Guangdong and other places. Local residents use them in soups, believing they have eye-brightening effects. Studies have shown that goji leaves and stems contain essential amino acids and various vitamins, as well as lithium, which is beneficial for improving children's intelligence.

Contraindications and Side Effects of Goji Berries

1. The side effects of goji berries mainly stem from their medicinal properties. Goji berries are suitable for people with weak bodies, providing a warming and nourishing effect. However, because of their significant warming effect, those with colds, fevers, or inflammation should exercise caution. Similarly, people with high blood pressure or those who are naturally prone to heat should avoid consuming goji berries.

2. One contraindication is that goji berries should not be consumed with warming foods such as longan and ginseng. Combining them does not enhance the effect but may cause adverse effects due to excessive heat. People with a naturally cold constitution may not be able to tolerate such a large amount of warming supplements, leading to an excessive burden on the body and adverse reactions.

3. Like most supplements, goji berries should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption can have negative consequences. Although goji berries are non-toxic and generally harmless, it's important to remember that too much of a good thing can be bad. Even with the best supplements, moderation is key; avoid overconsumption.